Salvage unit



Oct. 4, 1932. FRANClS v 1,881,123

SALVAGE UNI T Filed oct. 31, '1929 2 sheets-sheet 1 Mmm/EY.

L. FRANCIS sALvAGE UNIT Oct. 4, 1932.

Filed Oct. 51, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 6 6 INVENTOR.

Louis F'anco,

A TTORNE Y.

ist? @ENCE LOUS ERNCIS, OF MIAMI, FLORIDA SALVAGE UNIT This invention relates to a salvage unit designed primarily for reclaiming and salvaging wrecked vessels, but it is to be understood that a salvage unit constructed in accordance With this invention may be used or employed in anyconnection for which itis found applicable, and the invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a salvage unit so constructed and arranged whereby on the supply of iuid pressure thereto the unit will be controlled by pneumatic pressure to function, seize or lift the object or load to be salva-ged from the bottom of the Vsea or from the declr of a sunken vessel.

'The invention further aims to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a salvage unit so constructed and arranged for effectually raising sunken ships or the cargoes thereof, as Well as for scientific purposes on sea bottoms of great depth and further for commercial or any other purposes for which it is capable of being employed.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a

N salvao'e unit ada ated to function in Water of any desired depth, especially Water too deep for ordinary submarine operations by divers, and with the' unit so constructed and arranged to be free from the danger of capsizing and further capable of being readily adj usted for rough Weather.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as iereinafter set forth, a salvage unit which is automatic in its operation under the iva-ter, Working in anyY depth or character of Water, and'especially Water Vtoo deep to be practical for submarine divers, and to further provide a salvage unit which will function in any kind of sea, Without the necessity of any submarine divers or other auxiliary aid going beneath the Water with it to provide for the unit to perform the salvaging function.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a salvage unit automatically functioning, by pneumatic pressure to seize the object or car-go to be raised and further so constructed and arranged to eliminate the necessity of positioning a cable or other device underneath the bottom of the sunken object or cargo to be raised in order to bring it to .the surface for salvage.

A further object of the invention is to pro f vide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a

salvage unit constructed and arranged to provide for automatically releasing a salvage load at any stage of the operation performed by the unit.

Further objects of the invention are 4to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a salvage unit for lthe purpose referred to which is simple in its construction and ar angement, strong, durable, compact, capable i of being made buoyant when desired, compact, thoroughly efficient in its use, including pneumatically operated grabbing or seizing elements for the object or load to be salvaged,

tained at comparatively low cost.

.With the foregoing and other objects in view the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as hereinafter more specifically de scribed, and illustrated in the accompany- -ing drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, 'but it is `to be underreadily assembled, comparatively ineXpenf sive to manufacture and operated and mainstood that changes, variations and modificai parts f the grabbing or seizing elements in full lines in non-active position and in dotted lines in active position.

Figure 3 is a section on line 3-3, Figure '1. Figure a is a cross sectional View of the controlling elements illustrating in full lines the normal position thereof and in dotted lines the shifted positionthereof.

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional View of one of the elevating elements.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional viewof one of '.li,

the seizing or grabbing elements.

Figure 7 isa side elevation, partly broken away of a modified form of lifting element. The unit includes a controlling element, a

plurality of lifting elements, preferably .two, and two pairs of grabbing or seizing elements. The controlling and lifting elements are of tank-like forin and can be of Y ually increases in 'diameter from its center towards each end and includes a pair cf oppositely disposedl sections 11, 12 of frustoconoidal contour. The smaller ends of said sections are flanged as indicated at 13 and oppose each other. Arranged between and -coinmon to the smallerk or inner ends of the ,Y sections 11, 12 is aclosure plate or bulkhead and the latter with superposed, spaced vent' vopenings 25 for the compartments 18, 19 respectively. The sections 11, 12 in proximity Y respectively. The fluid lelement 10 is `eccentrically mounted.

Vcured to the sections from nipple 28 to nipple 29 14 which is flush with the outer edgesI of and secured to the flanges 13 by any suitable means. The plate 14 is formed with an eccentrically disposed opening 15 for the passage of a rod, bar or shaft 16 upon which The element 10 moves with the rod, bar or shaft 16. The plate 14 is furthermore provided with an eccentrically dispos-ed opening 17 for establishing communication between the chambers 18, 19 provided by the sections 11, VV12 respectively. The outer ends of the sections 11, 12 are flanged as indicated at 20, 21 respectively. lThe outer ends of the sections 11, 12 are closed by head members 22,

23 respectively. The former is provided with superposed, spaced vent openings 24 -to the flanges 20, 21 respectively, are Vpro vided with openings26, 27 respectively, in which are secured lines 28, 29 respectively, for supplying and exhausting iuid` pressure zto and from and for exhausting water from the controlling element 10. The sections 11, 12 are provided with vent openings ll, 12 pressure employed preferably is compressed air.

Secured to the peripheiies of the sections 11, 12 are spaced, circumferentially extending, reinforcing ribs 30, 31 respectively. Se-

ll, 12 and extending l is a radially disposed hn 32 having its outer edge positioned in alignment with the edges of the flanges 20, 21. The in'32 is of triangular contour. s

Connectedte the outer faces of the head members 22, 23, eccentrically thereof are liollow, quadrant-shaped members 33, 34 respectively, having their inner sides closed by the head members 22, 23 respectively and fornisecured to the member 33, by the holdfast means 39, and the latter being secured to the member 34 by the lioldfast means 40. Holdfast means indicated at 41, 42 are employed to rigidly secure the links 37, 38 to the ends of the rod 16. Projecting from the members 33,' 34 are shouldered pins 43, 44 respectively which extend through the links 37, 38 and 4carry the holdfast means 39, 40.

As each of the elevating elements is of the same construction, but one will bedescribed,

as the description of one will apply to the other. One of the elevating elements is generally indicated at 45 andthe other at 46. Each elevating element gradually decreases in diameter from its center towards each end and is formed from a pair of oppositelydis-y posed, frusto-conical sections 47, 48 having the larger ends thereof abutting. The larger or inner end of the section 47 is provided with a flange 49 and such end of the section 48is also formed with a iiange 50. The flanges 49, 50 abut and are ysuitably secured together. The elements 45, 46 are provided with vent vopenings 45, 46respectively.

The outer or smaller 'end of section 47 is closed by a head member 51 and the outer or smaller end of the section 48 is closed by a head member 52. Positioned at the longitudinal axis of the section 45 andextending from each end thereof is a supporting bar 53. Positioned at the longitudinal axis of the element 46 and projecting from each end thereof is a supporting Vbar 54. The bar 5.3 is of greater length than the vbar 54." The vsection 45, as well as the section 46 is formed with spaced, circuinferentially extending, reinforcing ribs 55. Opening into the element 45 is aline connection 56 for supplying and pumping water vto and lfromelement 45 and also for supplying and exhausting iiuid pressure to and from element 45.

Connected to and opening into element 46 is a line connection 57 for supplying and pumping water to and from element 46, as well as pressure to and from element 46.

Two pairs of grabbing or seizing elements are employed to grasp, hold and lift the object to be salvaged. The elements of each pair are oppositely disposed with respect to each other. The grabbing elements of one pair are indicated at v58, 59 and the grabbing elements of the other pair at 60, 61. Each of the grabbing elements is of hook-shaped contour and as the grabbing elements are of like construction, but one will be described, as the for supplying and exhausting fluid `Vdescription of one will apply to the other.

Each grabbingelenient comprises a shank62 Vterminating in a -hook 63.'. VEach grabbing element includes a series of parallel, spaced sections v64, 66 and 67 of equal length. See Figure 7. Positioned againstthe top of the said sections, :as well as being secured therewith is a top member 68. Positioned against the bottom of and secured to saidisections isa bottom 1nemberf69. yThe members 68, 69 overlapsections 64, v67. Thesections l64:, 65, 66 and 67 in connection with the meinbers 68, 69 provide compartments 70, 71and 7 2 extending lengthwise oftheelements. The sections 65 `and 66 are provided with fopenings 7 3, v74: for establishing, communication betweenV the compartments. Each top lineinber 68 is formed with .a combined lexhaust and intake 68, near its `upper terminus.

The section 67 is formed with a water intake and a plurality of spaced, no-rmally closed ycheck valves 76 for the discharge of air .from the compartments on the Aintake of water to the elements. The water received insaid .elements increases the weight of the latter.

At the water enters lthe air within the compartments will be forced through the check lvalves 7 6, under such conditions permitting of a larger amount of water entering 'the 'i grabbing elements than would be the case if "an air cushion were formed therein. .shanks 62 of thev grabbing elements are :pivotallyzmounted on the rod 16 and Apositioned 'below the compartments 35, 36.

The

yConnected to and extending vfrom .the shanks 62 of the elements 59,61 are 'links 7 7 which are pivotally mounted on the other end of the bar 58. Aipair of'bolts 78, 79 provided with nuts 8O areemployed lfor connecting the links .7 7 to the Shanks 62 of the grabbing elesnients59, 61. Tlielshanks 62of-`the grabbing 4elements 58 and'60 are connected Ito y'the ends of the vbar 5e by links 8:1. The vlinks `81 are pivotally mounted on the bar 54. The shanks 62 of the grabbing elements 58 and 60 are connected to the links 81 `by a .pa-ir of bolts 82, 83 carrying nuts 84. Vhen the `unit is 4at'tlielevel of the water, the bolts 79 and 82 Vmay be removed and under; those conditions the shanks 62can pivot on the 'bolts 80, 83.

When the bolts 79, 82 are not removed no i `pivoting action can be had by the grabbing 58, 60 are tovvi line receiving hooks 86. The

:and all tanks are -filled with water. rcauses the `unit to accurately submerge with :the grabbing elements in van open extended position, the tanks submerging with air lines hooks 85 extend inan'opposite direction with respect to the hooks 86. f

The grabbingelements 58, ,60 arearranged in parallelismand the grabbing elements 59, 61 'are arranged in parallelism. The grabbing-elements 58, 60 extend in vopposite direetions withrespectto the grabbing elements 59 61. r[he grabbing elements 58, 6() are arranged inwardly with .respectto athe grabbing elements 59,61.V

The controlling element which `is in the lformof a tank and the lifting elements which .y are in the form of tanks can be of any desired length and-diameter. The length ofeach of the grabbing elements can be as desired. The

hooks 63 `of thegrabbing elements are of arcnate ycontour and are tapered to provide a pointed end.

'lhe controlling element functions as a re- `taining or ianchoring means for the unit to permit'of the elevating-elements moving upwardly with respect to the controlling .ele-

ment for the purposeiof shiftingthegra bing elements on their pivots in a direction for the grabbing elements to grab or seize ythe ob]ect to ybe salvaged. The weight-of the grabbing elements `with respect to the contro-lling elementfurther acts vto maintain the grabbing elements inengaging position with the object to be salvaged.

In operation, assuming that asunken `boat `or cargo to be salvagedhas been located, the

.unitistowed totheplace of operation and all tanks partly filled with water to `cause partial submersion as an aid to towing; the `unit is :towed directly over the vpoint of salvTage,

his

'and water lines attached to `be operated from an independent surface boat `or salvage unit equippedwith the necessary pumps; the unit .having reached bottom or coming to rest on the sunken cargo, the controlling element is left lled with water, but the `elevating elements on each side are pumped clear'of `water and Yfilled with Yfluid pressure. This causes the elevating elements to rise towards the surface, but the controlling element .being filled with water has a tendency Lto remain stationary. The elevating elementsrise with theends -of the grabbing elements attached .to `their axes, the grabbing elements being also -pivotally connected with the controlling element, and as the latter is filled with water it Will have-a tendency to remain stationary. The upward movement ofthe elevating elements causes the grabbing elements to close by automatic pneumatic pressure, thus either completely enclosing the sunken cargo by the grabbing elements meeting under the bottom of the same, or causing the grabbing elements toattach themselves to the-sides of the sunken cargoor-ship withsuliicient squeezing the controlling element pressure to liftthe cargo emptied `of water sure, the unit, together with the salvage loady or ship from the sea bottom. v Y

As the elevating elements are completely and illed with fluid presis brought to the top of'the water' andsufficiently close to the surface of the water to permit the easy cradling of the loadon other cradleV tanks placedunder itV or by the use of cables or other devices. Once the load has been seized and having started to the surface may be partially emptied of water and filled with ing to thesurface with the load.- The sal'- vage load having been properly cradled, the :elevating elements are again emptied of fluid pressure and filled with water, which causes thegrabbing elements to automatically distend, thus releasing the load, then the controlling element is filled with fluid pressure,

compressed air which causes the unit to raise tion.

'tothe surface withY the grabbing elements extendedand free of the salvaged load and the Y operation is complete.

When the unit is at the top ofthe water or near the surface thereof, the bolts 79, 82

vcan be removed and which will permit of the elevating and lowering of the elevating elements without imparting a fpivoted movement to the grabbingelements.

, The compartments 35, 35 permit of an increased supply of water being had to the controlling element to increase the weight of the latter. Y

rlhe fin 32 acts as astabilizing means for the controlling element on the lowering of the Lunit and also as a retarding means for the controlling element when the unit rises, as the controlling element when shifted in either direction will position one `of the'v sides of the fin 32 at an angle to the vertical to retard the rise of the controlling element whereby the latter will bel held below the elevating elements tomaintain the grabbing elements in `lifting relation with respect to the object salvaged.

A modified form of lifting element is shown inFigure 6 and is generally indicated at 87. The element 87 is of uniform diameter and tanlolike form, and provided with vent openings 87. i Preferably the reinforcing ribs on the controlling element l0 and on the lifting elements Although one embodiment ofa salvage unit, in accordance' with this inventionisillus-v trated and described, it is to beyunderstood however that changes in the constructive arrangement can be had which will fall within the scope ofthe invention as claimed.

AWhat I claim is: v i *A I l. 'A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising'a controllable element adapted to y Huid pres',k sure to assist the elevating elements in com- I pl-5, i6 will be of triangular cross sec-v receive a weighting-meanstherefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected with said controllin element and element, connected at one end with said elevating elementsand shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on'the upward movement of said elevatingV elements, said grabbing elements being oppositely disposed, of hook-like form Y and hollow, said grabbing elements having an intake for the entrance'of water thereto and valve controlled means for the discharge of air therefromV on the intake of water thereto.

2. A ysalvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive a weighting means therefor, a plurality offluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected with said controlling element and possessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of their weight by fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermedia-te their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevatingfelements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to besalvaged on the upward movement of said elevating elements, said controlling and elevating elements having means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighted means therefor and for supplying fluid pressure thereto and exhausting it therefrom, said grabbing elements being oppositely disposed, ofhook-like form and hollow, said grabbing elements having an intake for the entrance of water thereto and valve controlled means of air therefrom thereto. f f

3. kA salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive a weghting means therefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected with said controlling element and possessing a buoyant characteristic for'moving upwardly relative to sai-d controlling element whenrelieved of their weight by fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with for the discharge onthe intake of water said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on the upward movement of said elevating elements, said con-k trolling element provided exteriorly thereof with a lengthwise extending equalizing fin.

4. [A: salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive a weighting means therefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected with said controlling element and possessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of their weight by -fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on the upward movement ofk said elevating elements, said controlling and elevating elements having means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighted means therefor and for supplying fluid pressure thereto and exhausting it therefrom, said controlling element provided exteriorly thereof with a lengthwise extending equalizing fin.

' 5. yA salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive a weighting means therefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected with said controlling element'and possessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of their weight by fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on the upward movement of said elevating elements, said centrolling and elevating elements norrmally Aarranged in spaced parallel relation, said controlling element gradually increasing in diameter from its center toward each end and each of said elevating elements gradually decreasing in diameter from its center towards each end.

6. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive'a weighting means therefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected 'with said controlling element and possessing La buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said control- -ling element when relieved of their weight by fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the ob]ect to be salvaged on the upward movement of said elevating elements, said controlling and elevating elements having means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighted means therefor and for supplying fluid'pressure thereto and exhausting it therefrom, said controlling and elevating elements normally arranged in spaced parallel relation, said controlling element vgradually increasing 'in diametery from its center towards each end and each of said elevating elements gradually decreasing in diameter from its center towards each end.

7 A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive a weighting means therefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating element-s connected with said controlling element and possessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of their weight by fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on the upward movement of said elevating elements, said controlling element provided exteriorly thereof with a lengthwise extending equalizing fin, said controlling and elevating elements normally arranged in spaced parallel relation, said controlling element gradually increasing in diameter from its center towards each end and each of said elevating elements gradually decreasing in diameter from its center towards each end.

8. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted to receive a weighting means therefor, a plurality of fluid pressure receiving elevating elements connected with said controlling element and possessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of their weight by fluid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on the upward move- 0 ment of said elevating elements, said controlling and elevating elements having means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighted means therefor and for supplying fluid pressure thereto and exhausting it therefrom, said controlling element provided ex- 4teriorly thereof with a lengthwise extending equalizing fin, said controlling and elevating elements normally arranged in spaced parallel relation, said controlling element gradually increasing in diameter from its center towards each end and each of said elevating elements gradually decreasing in diameter from its center towards each end.

9. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controlling element having means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighting means therefor and fluid pressure, a bar disposed longitudinally and eccentrically of said element and proj ect` ing from each end thereof, oppositely extending grabbing elements pivotally mounted intermediate their ends on each end of said bar, means for connecting the ends of the bar to the ends of said controlling element,

a pair of elevating elements opposing said controlling element and each provided with means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighting means therefor and fluid pressure, and a bar disposed axially of'each elevating element, projecting from thel ends thereof and having its ends connected with a pair of grabbing elements.

10. A-salvaging unit ofthe subniergible type comprising a controlling element having means for supplying thereto and exhausting therefrom a weighting means therefor and fluid pressure, a bar disposed longitudinally and eccentrically of said eiementand projecting from each end thereof, oppositely extending grabbing elements pivotallyinounted intermediate their endsv on each end of said bar, means for lconnectingthe ends of the bar to the ends of said controlling element, a pair ofelevating elements opposing f said controllingelement and each provided aXiallyof each elevating with means for supplying thereto and eX- hausting therefrom a weighting means therefor and fluid pressure, and a bar disposed element, projecting from the ends thereof and having its ends connected with a pair of grabbing' elements, said grabbing elements `being .hollow and each provided with a water intake and valve controlled air discharge means.

11. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising op'positely disposed grabbing elements, a weighted controlling element having said grabbing elementainter; mediate their ends pivotally connected therewith, fluid pressure receiving means-possessmg a buoyant characteristic for moving relative to said controlling element` when relieved of their weight by Huid' pressure and connected with said grabbing elements for shifting them on their pivots to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged, and means carried-by' said controlling element for stabilizing the unit when submerging it and for retarding the upward movement of the controlling element on the upward movement of saidmeans.

12. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprisingl a submergible, weighted controlling element' tending to retain the unit inactive, oppositely submerged, normally Y Vdisposed grabbing elements for lifting the `ments have been shifted to object to be salvaged and pivotally supported from said controlling element, and means movable upwardly relative to said controlling element, connected to said grabbing ele-V ments4 for shiftingthem lto active position with respect tothe object to be salvaged andk for elevating the unit after the grabbing eleactive position, said grabbing elements provided with means for the intake of water thereto to increase the weight thereof, and said elevating' means and controlling element having means for supplying 'thereto and exhausting therefrom Va weighting means and fluid pressure. Y 13. A salvaging unit of the submer ible type comprising normally inactive grab ing elements `forlifting the object to j be salvaged7` pneumatically operated means for shifting said elements to lifting position with respect to the object to be salvaged and for elevating the unit after' the grabbing elements have been shifted to lifting position, and weighted means for retarding the elevation of the unit and having said grabbing elements pivotally supported therefrom, said grabbing elements further connected with said pneumatically operated means.

14. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a weighted controlling element, a pair of normally weighted elevating elements arranged in juxtaposition-relative to said controlling element, means for making said elevating elements buoyant to provide for the upward movement thereof relative to and against retardation by the controlling element to raise the unit, and grabbing elements connected'with the controlling element and shifted by said elevating elements on the upward movement of the latter to lifting position .with respect to the object to be salvaged whereby on the upward movement of the unit the object will be carried therewith. f

15. A salvaging unit of the submergible type comprising a controllable. element adapted to receive a weighting'means therefor, a pluralityof fluid pressure and weight receiving elevating elementsconnected with said controlling element and possessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of its weight by iiuidpressure, and grabbing elements their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and shiftable on their pivots to active c vatingelements, said controlling element provided exteriorly thereof with a lengthwise extending equalizing fin,

16. A salvaging unit yof the submergible type comprising a controllable element adapted vto receive a weighting meanstherefor, a plurality of fluid pressure and water receiving elevating elements connected with said controlling element and ypossessing a buoyant characteristic for moving upwardly relative to said controlling element when relieved of its water by Huid pressure, and grabbing elements pivoted intermediate their ends with said controlling element, connected at one end with said elevating elements and sliiftableV on their pivots `to active position with respect to the object to be salvaged on the kupward movement of said elevating elements, said controllingv and elevating elepivoted @intermediate hereto. l*

LUUIS FRANCIS. 

